Uzbekistan General Information - Constitution
The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan was adopted on December 8, 1992. On April 24,2003 some amendments and addenda were introduced into it. It has been worked out based on the experience of industrialized countries. Thus, it appeared to have reflected the will and spirit of the people of this land, its public consciousness, and level of culture. Constitution has imbibed fundamental ideas and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Constitution of 1992 consists of 6 sections that include 26 chapters, and 128 articles. Its distinctive feature is that, that it has ensured the accountability of state bodies and authorities before public, that is, the priority of interests of each citizen has been legally maintained and further guaranteed.
The citizenship of the Republic of Uzbekistan, no matter how it is obtained, is fully equivalent for all. It allows for each person to fully participate in economic, political, legal, and cultural spheres of life in the country. Moreover, it obliges with some duties. Naturally, the state is obliged to protect the interests and freedoms of Uzbek citizens on its territory and abroad.
The citizens of Uzbekistan regardless of their origin, race, nationality, and other, are equal. Constitution guarantees respect towards language, customs and traditions of all nationalities and peoples who are the citizens of Uzbekistan.
Human and citizens' fundamental rights, freedoms and duties.
One of the most important guarantees secured in the Constitution is a right to life. The infringement upon one's life is considered to be a grave crime. The citizens of Uzbekistan have a right to freedom and personal inviolability, protection from infringement upon their honor and dignity, encroachment upon their private life, inviolability of their property. Also, they may freely travel on its territory, enter and exit, except in cases spelled out by law. The classic freedoms listed in the Main Law include the freedom of faith, thought, speech, and beliefs. The mass media is free and it is duly responsible for the reliability of the information. The censorship is not allowed.
Political rights. The citizens of Uzbekistan may participate in public and state administration both directly and through their representatives, be publicly active via rallies, meetings and demonstrations in accordance with local legislature, unite in labor unions, political parties, public groups, and file petitions, proposals, and complaints with competent state bodies.
Economic and social rights. Each citizen has a right to labor, free choice of work, fair labor conditions, and property, respectively. The law guarantees the secrecy of bank deposits and right to succession. Citizens employed on hire have a right to paid vacations.
Each citizen has a right for social care upon reaching the old age, losing the ability to work, as well as upon losing one's breadwinner, and other instances envisaged by law.
All citizens have a right to free public education, use of cultural achievements, and qualified medical care.
The state guarantees citizens of the country with legal protection of their rights and freedoms. The equality of men and women is firmly secured.
The fundamental rights also include protection and securing public institutes such as family and marriage. The marriage is based upon concurrence and equality of parties. The parents are obliged to support and bring up the children until they reach the age of puberty. The state and society ensures upbringing and education of orphans and those without parental trusteeship. Children regardless of their origin and status of their parents are equal before law.
The motherhood and childhood is protected by state.
In their turn, the citizens must observe the Constitution and laws, respect the rights, freedoms, honor and dignity of other people; safeguard the historic, spiritual and cultural heritage; protect the environment. Also, they are obliged to serve in the military or keep with the alternative service in the military, as secured by law, and pay fixed taxes.
Constitution provides for legal bases of the multiparty system. Public affairs in the country are predicated on variety of political institutions, ideologies, and opinions. Constitution forbids creation and activity of political parties and other public groups that aim to forcefully change the constitutional regime, stand against sovereignty, integrity, and security of the country, constitutional rights and freedoms of its citizens, propagate war, social, national, racial, and religious conflicts.
Amendments to Constitution are introduced through referendum or by laws adopted by majority - not less than two thirds of the total number of deputies of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of Oliy Majlis.
